Painted Indian Dowry Chest "Damchiya" From Kutch - Early 20thC India 60 x 60 x 69

60 x 60 x 69 (w x d x h cms)

A Low Keyaki (Zelkova Wood) Desk with drawers

This piece dates from the 19th Century Lacquer boxes are commonly used in Rajasthan and Gujarat for storing jewellery or bindi (the red powder that Indian ladies apply to the forehead)

Note it has an old crack which has been repaired running from top to bottom

This traditional stacking chest exemplifies the restrained elegance and practical design of Japanese domestic cabinetry

Painted Indian Dowry Chest "Damchiya" From Kutch - Early 20thC India 60 x 60 x 69Carved Teak Dowry Chest Damchiya From Kutch, Gujarat. The front is chip carved in the traditional style, the top has been replaced with old wood in recent years. Traditionally the brides family had to offer gifts known as Dowry to the bridegrooms family if they were to find a good husband for their daughter. Dowry was normally Gold jewellery and Silk saris but sometimes brass cooking pots and other family treasures were exchanged. In modern times